Compact Camping Table

ABSTRACT

A portable table with a collapsible support framework. The support framework has legs that are interconnected by scissor linkages. The legs have brackets affixed to the top end. Guide rails are provided that can be selectively attached to the support framework. The guide rails contain connectors that selectively engage the brackets on the legs of the support framework. Each of the guide rails has a top surface and a ledge that is disposed a first depth below the top surface. A segmented tabletop extends between the guide rails. The segmented tabletop rests on the ledges of the guide rails, wherein the segmented tabletop is the same thickness as the depth of the ledges. This provides the portable table with a flat top surface having no cantilevered areas. The result is a strong and sturdy table that can be easily and rapidly disassembled.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/666,805, filed May 4, 2018.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to portable tables that havecollapsible frames. More particularly, the present invention relates tothe structural elements of the tables that enable the frames to fold anddeploy.

2. Prior Art Description

When an individual goes camping, tailgates at a sporting event, orotherwise spends time in the outdoors and away from home, it iscommonplace for that individual to carry some basic equipment forcomfort. For example, many people bring a portable chair so that theycan sit in comfort. In addition to a chair, a highly useful item tobring camping or to a tailgate is a table. In this manner, food andother items can be placed on the table for comfort and convenience. Theproblem is that tables, even folding tables, can be very bulky anddifficult to transport. Most folding tables only have folding legs. Thetabletop of the table remains the same size both when the table isfolded and when the table is open. As such, the table remains difficultto carry and to transport in a vehicle.

In the prior art, there are a wide variety of portable tables. Sometables have tabletops that fold in half or in thirds, but the tabletopsremain connected to the support framework. Such prior art tables areexemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,549,242 to Ross. However, a half-foldtable and a tri-fold table are nearly as bulky and difficult totransport as are full tables. Recognizing the need for tables that canbe more readily carried, some collapsible table designs have beencreated that have fabric tabletops and collapsible frames. Although suchtables can collapse into compact sizes, the use of fabric as a tabletopsurface is undesirable. Fabric tabletops sag when weighted and caneasily shift during windy conditions. This can cause objects on thetable, to tip or fall off the table.

In the prior art, attempts have been made to make collapsible tableswith segmented tabletops. In this manner, a rigid tabletop can beprovided that still has the ability to be folded into a compact shape.Such prior art tables are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 1,553,036 toFoss. A problem associated with such prior art tables is that thesegmented tabletops are placed over narrow bases. The edges of thetabletop are therefore cantilevered. This can cause the tabletop to tipif a weighted object is placed near the edge of the tabletop.Additionally, the support structure used with the segmented tabletopremains large and bulky. As a result, the tabletop can be collapsed, butthe overall portable table remains large and bulky.

A need therefore exists in the prior art for a portable table that has arigid tabletop surface, yet the entire table assembly can be collapsedinto a convenient size. A need also exists for a portable table with asegmented tabletop that does not overhang its supports, therein creatinga tipping hazard. These needs are met by the present invention asdescribed and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable table that presents a hard supportsurface when opened, yet can be folded into a very compactconfiguration. The portable table utilizes a collapsible supportframework. The support framework has legs that are interconnected byscissor linkages. This enables the legs to be condensed together whenthe portable table is disassembled. Each of the legs in the supportframework has a top end and a bracket that is affixed to the top end.

Guide rails are provided that can be selectively attached to, ordetached from, the support framework. The guide rails contain connectorsthat selectively engage the brackets on the legs of the supportframework. Each of the guide rails has a top surface and a ledge that isdisposed a first depth below the top surface. When the guide rails areattached to the support framework, the support framework retains theguide rails in a parallel orientation.

A segmented tabletop is provided that extends between the guide railswhen the guide rails are in their parallel orientation. The segmentedtabletop rests on the ledges of the guide rails, wherein the segmentedtabletop is the same thickness as the depth of the ledges. This providesthe portable table with a flat top surface having no cantilevered areas.The result is a strong and sturdy table that can be easily and rapidlydisassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof,considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table assembly in its openconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the top of the tableassembly in its open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the table assembly disassembled and in afolded configuration; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a tableassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention portable table assembly can be configured in manyways and can be adapted for use in many applications. For example, theportable table assembly can be made to a variety of lengths, widths andheights, depending upon market needs. Although the table assembly can bealtered in shape to fit various applications, only two exemplaryembodiments are illustrated and described. The exemplary embodiments areselected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated forthe invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merelyexemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting thescope of the appended claims.

Referring in conjunction to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, aportable table assembly 10 is shown. The portable table assembly 10consists of a collapsible support framework 12, guide rails 14 and asegmented tabletop 16. The collapsible support framework 12, the guiderails 14, and the segmented tabletop 16 can be selectively assembled toform the table assembly 10 and can be disassembled for compact storage.

The support framework 12 itself is collapsible and can be selectivelyconfigured between an open configuration and a collapsed configuration.The support framework 12 has four legs 18. Each of the legs 18 can havea set length between a top first end 20 and a bottom second end 22.Alternatively, the legs 18 can have a telescoping construction thatenables the length between the top first end 20 and the bottom secondend 22 to be selectively adjusted by manual manipulation.

The top first end 20 of each of the legs 18 terminates with a topbracket 24. The top brackets 24 are fixed in place on the legs 18. Eachof the legs 18 is also provided with a slide bracket 26. The slidebrackets 26 are able to reciprocally move along the length of the legs18 in some range between the top first end 20 and the bottom second end22 of the legs 18. Locking holes 28 are formed in each of the legs 18proximate the top bracket 24. Locking pull pins 30 are integrated intothe slide brackets 26. The pull pins 30 selectively engage the lockingholes 28 in the legs 18 as the slide brackets 26 move over the lockingholes 28 in the legs 18. The locking holes 28 are positioned so that thelocking pull pins 30 lock in place on the legs 18 when the slidebrackets 26 are at their highest points in their range of movement. Thatis, when the slide brackets 26 are closest to the top brackets 24 oneach of the legs 18.

The top brackets 24 and the slide brackets 26 on adjacent legs 18 arejoined together by scissor linkages 32. When the slide brackets 26 aremoved down the legs 18 and away from the top brackets 24, the scissorlinkages 32 retract the legs 18 and move the support framework 12 into acollapsed configuration (FIG. 4). Conversely, when the slide brackets 26are moved toward the top brackets 24, the legs 18 spread the supportframework 12 into a fully open configuration (FIG. 1). Once at the fullyopen configuration, the locking pull pins 30 on the slide brackets 26engage the locking holes 28 on the legs 18 and the support framework 12becomes locked in its open configuration.

Two guide rails 14 are provided. The guide rails 14 are straight betweena first end 34 and an opposite second end 36. Both the first end 34 andthe second end 36 of each guide rail 14 terminate with a connector 38.The connector 38 is configured to mechanically interconnect with the topbrackets 24 of the legs 18. When the support framework 12 is in itsfully open configuration, the connectors 38 at the first ends 34 andsecond ends 36 of the guide rails 14 are capable of engaging two of thetop brackets 24. This is because the length of the guide rails 14 equalsthe distance between adjacent legs 18 on the support framework 12, whenthe support framework 12 is in its fully open configuration.

When both of the guide rails 14 are attached to the support framework12, the guide rails 14 are parallel. Additionally, each of the guiderails 14 has a top surface 40 that is horizontal on the table assembly10. A ledge 42 is formed below the top surface 40 that runs the lengthof each guide rail 14. The ledges 42 of the two guide rails 14 face eachother when the guide rails 14 are attached to the support framework 12.The ledges 42 are uniformly spaced apart by a distance D1. The ledges 42also contain protrusions, reliefs or some other interlocking structure44 that can be selectively engaged by the segmented tabletop 16.

The segmented tabletop 16 is comprised of a plurality of flat slats 46that are arranged in parallel. Each of the slats is rigid and ispreferably made of a molded plastic or composite material. The slats 46are connected using fabric or hinges. Living hinges can be used if theslats 46 are molded from plastic. This configuration makes the segmentedtabletop 16 foldable in between the slats 46. The ability of thesegmented tabletop 16 to fold in between the slats 46 enables thevarious slats 46 to be manipulated between two configurations. In afirst configuration, the slats 46 can be stacked atop one another forstorage. This configuration is shown in FIG. 4. In a secondconfiguration, the slats 46 can be arranged in a common plane to form aflat surface, which serves as a tabletop. This configuration is shown inFIG. 1. Each of the slats 46 has the same length. That length is equalto the distance D1 between the ledges 42 on the guide rails 14.Furthermore, the thickness of the slats 46 is equal to the depth of theledges 42. This enables the slats 46 of the segmented tabletop 16 to layin the same flat plane as the top surfaces 40 of the guide rails 14.This provides the table assembly with a single flat top surface, wherenone of the segmented tabletop is cantilevered over some edge of supportframework 12.

The slats 46 have opposing ends 48. The ends 48 of at least some of theslats 46 contain some engagement feature 50 that engages theinterlocking structures 44 on the ledges 42 of the guide rails 14. Forexample, the slats 46 may contain detents that engage recesses in theguide rails 14. Alternatively, the slats 46 and the guide rails 14 mayhave grooved elements that mechanically interlock. Magnetic connectionscan also be used. The interlocking of the segmented tabletop 16 with theguide rails 14 is preferred to prevent the segmented tabletop 16 fromfalling out of the guide rails 14 if the table assembly 10 is carriedaskew or accidentally knocked over.

To collapse the table assembly 10, the segmented tabletop 16 is removedfrom the guide rails 14. The segmented tabletop 16 can then be folded ina concertinaed fashion. The guide rails 14 are then disconnected fromthe support framework 12. This leaves the support framework 12 in itsopen configuration. The locking pull pins 30 on the slide brackets 26are pulled to release the slide brackets 26. Once the slide brackets 26are released, the legs 18 on the support framework 12 can be movedtogether, therein collapsing the support framework 12. The foldedsegmented tabletop 16, the guide rails 14 and the collapsed supportframework 12 can then be stored in a narrow carry bag.

The dimensions of the table assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4can be changed as a matter of design choice. Larger table assemblies mayrequire more complex support frames in order to bear the weight that maybe rested on a larger table assembly. Referring to FIG. 5, such a largetable assembly 60 is shown. In FIG. 5, the table assembly 60 has alarger, more complex support framework 62. The support framework 62 hassix legs 64. The top end of each of the legs 64 terminates with a topbracket 66. The top brackets 66 are fixed in place. Each of the legs 64is also provided with a slide bracket 68. The slide brackets 68 are ableto reciprocally move along the length of the legs 64. The slide brackets68 can lock into place in the same manner as was described for the firstembodiment.

The top brackets 66 and the slide brackets 68 on adjacent legs 64 arejoined together by scissor linkages 70. When the slide brackets 68 aremoved down the legs 64 and away from the top brackets 66, the scissorlinkages 70 retract the legs 64 and move the support framework 12 into acollapsed configuration. Conversely, when the slide brackets 68 aremoved toward the top brackets 66, the legs 64 spread the supportframework 62 into a fully open configuration. Once at the fully openconfiguration, the slide brackets 68 lock in place on the legs 64.

At least two guide rails 72 are provided.

Depending upon the length of the table assembly 60, two or more sets ofguide rails 72 may be used to create the length needed. The guide rails72 are positioned into two parallel rows. Each guide rail 72 terminateswith a connector 74. The connector 74 is configured to mechanicallyinterconnect with the top brackets 66 of the legs 64. When the supportframework 62 is in its fully open configuration, the connectors 74 onthe guide rails 72 can engage the top brackets 66 on the legs 64.

A larger segmented tabletop 76 is provided. The tabletop 76 can be onepiece or two pieces, depending upon the length of the table assembly 60.The tabletop 76 is made from interconnected slats 78. Each of the slats78 has the same length. That length is equal to the distance between theguide rails 72. Furthermore, the thickness of the slats 78 is equal tothe depth of ledges 80 on the guide rails 72. This enables the slats 78of the segmented tabletop 76 to be arranged in a flat plane with andbetween the two guide rails 72.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention thatare illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. Allsuch embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable table assembly; a support frameworkthat contains legs, wherein each of said legs has a top first end and abottom second end; guide rails that selectively interconnect with eachsaid first end of said legs, wherein said guide rails have top surfacesand ledges disposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein saidsupport framework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientationwhen said guide rails are interconnected with said legs; and a segmentedtabletop that extends between said guide rails when said guide rails arein said parallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests onsaid ledges of said guide rails.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein each of said legs terminates with a bracket at said top firstend.
 3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of said guiderails has opposing ends, wherein connectors are affixed to said opposingends, and wherein said connectors selectively connect to and disconnectfrom each said bracket on said legs.
 4. The assembly according to claim1, wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of rigid slats that areinterconnected by foldable joints.
 5. The assembly according to claim 4,wherein each of said slats has a thickness equal to said first depth ofsaid ledges below said top surfaces of said guide rails.
 6. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said support framework includes scissorlinkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkagesenable said support framework to expand into an open configuration andretract into a collapsed configuration.
 7. The assembly according toclaim 6, further including a locking mechanism for selectively lockingsaid support framework into said open configuration.
 8. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, further including an interlocking mechanismbetween said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains saidslats on said ledges.
 9. A portable table assembly; a support frameworkthat contains legs, wherein said support framework is selectivelyconfigurable between an open configuration and a collapsedconfiguration; guide rails that selectively interconnect with saidsupport framework when said support framework is in said openconfiguration, wherein said guide rails contain ledges and said supportframework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientation wheninterconnected with said support framework; and a segmented tabletopthat extends between said guide rails when said guide rails are in saidparallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests on saidledges of said guide rails.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9,wherein said legs have first ends and brackets that are affixed to saidfirst ends.
 11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said guiderails have connectors that selectively connect to, and disconnect from,said brackets on said legs.
 12. The assembly according to claim 9,wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of slats that areinterconnected by foldable joints.
 13. The assembly according to claim12, wherein said guide rails have top surfaces and said ledges aredisposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein each of saidslats has a thickness equal to said first depth.
 14. The assemblyaccording to claim 9, wherein said support framework includes scissorlinkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkagesenable said support framework to expand into said open configuration andretract into said collapsed configuration.
 15. The assembly according toclaim 14, further including a locking mechanism for selectively lockingsaid support framework into said open configuration.
 16. The assemblyaccording to claim 13, further including an interlocking mechanismbetween said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains saidslats on said ledges.